Halloween is by no means the only festive day in October. The Southeast is home to a cornucopia of fall festivals and fairs that can make even the most typical weekend feel like a holiday. So pack as many new sights, smells and tastes into each of October's four weekends with these fall favorites.
Can't get enough? Check these festivals out:OktoberfestHelen, GeorgiaEvery day until October 27helenga.org3 Sisters Bluegrass FestivalRoss's Landing, ChattanoogaOctober 4-53sistersbluegrass.comFall HodgePodge FestivalSignal Mountain, TennesseeOctober 5-6fallhodgepodge.comPraters Mill Country FairDalton, GeorgiaOctober 12-13pratersmill.orgSouthern Appalachian Artists Guild National Juried ShowBlue Ridge, GeorgiaOctober 19-November 15blueridgearts.netJack Daniel's World Championship Invitational BarbecueLynchburg, TennesseeOctober 26lynchburgtn.com
Georgia Winery Grape Stomp
October 5, 12-5:30 p.m.
Let's be honest, we've all wanted to be a part of a grape stomp since we laughed ourselves silly during that iconic episode of "I Love Lucy." You'll get your chance at Georgia Winery's Grape Stomp, complete with live music, local food and craft vendors, hay rides, wine tasting and even a Lucy Ricardo look-alike contest. Football fans can appreciate a man-cave that showcases the pregame of the Tennessee Volunteers versus the Georgia Bulldogs, and the kids are kept busy bobbing for apples, competing in sack races, costume contests and more. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. A child's pass is $5. Find out more at georgiawines.com.
Georgia Apple Festival
October 12-13, 19-20, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take a big, juicy bite into autumn with the 42nd annual Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, Georgia. After a scenic drive, you can find yourself in the heart of Georgia apple country. The apple varieties seem endless, but they're only the tip top of the barrel. We're talking homemade apple butter, fried apple pies and old-fashioned cider. The festival itself, located at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, includes an antique car show October 12 and a parade October 19 in the historic downtown area, not to mention over 300 vendors selling crafts and giving demonstrations. Admission is $5; children 10 and under get in free. Find out more at georgiaapplefestival.org.
RiverRocks Festival Grand Finale
October 12, Begins at 5:30 p.m.
After 10 days of outdoor recreation, enjoy some relaxation with a dynamic conclusion to this year's RiverRocks Games. A lively street party is planned, featuring a headline performance by Booker T. Jones as part of the Scenic City Roots concert, a hot-air balloon glow and a multi-media finale in the 200 Block of Broad Street. Visit RiverRocksChattanooga.com for more information.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest
October 19-20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Grab a bier and a brat and tap your toes along to the tunes of the Wurstbrats band at the 12th annual Chattanooga Oktoberfest at the Chattanooga Market. The well-known marketplace in downtown Chattanooga is transforming into a festival celebrating German tradition and culture. After winding through the booths of craft and culinary vendors-and the bier garten featuring over 40 local and seasonal brews, of course-take a gander at the classic VW beetles, vans and more as a part of the Scenic City Volks Folks car show. Chattanooga Oktoberfest is located at 1829 Carter St. Admission is free. Find out more at chattanoogaoktoberfest.com.
Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair
Oct. 19-20
Step back in time at Ketner's Mill Country Arts Fair with covered wagons, grazing animals and freshly churned cornmeal. Situated right next to the Sequatchie River, the fair includes two days of shopping and southern culinary favorites. More than 100 artisans set up shop with their sculptures, paintings, pottery and jewelry while food vendors cook up delicacies including Texas taters and funnel cakes. As a plus, proceeds from the festival go to a good cause; the fair was established in 1977 to fund the preservation of the mill. Admission is $6 for adults; children 12 and under get in free. Find out more at ketnersmill.org.